Sydney is in for another Summer of Arts with the opening of “The Greats: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland” at The Art Gallery of NSW on 24 October. This is one of the most significant collections of old master paintings ever seen in Australia and is presented as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2015-2016.
Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, El Greco, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Monet, Degas, Gauguin and Cézanne are just some of the famous names that are on view at the exhibition.
Spanning a period of more than 400 years from the Renaissance to impressionism, the exhibition comprises over 70 of the greatest paintings and drawings from the National Galleries of Scotland, based in the beautiful capital city of Edinburgh.
This is the first time all but two of the artworks have been exhibited in Australia. Botticelli’s “Virgin Adoring the Sleeping Christ Child (c1485)” has not been exhibited outside of the United Kingdom in 169 years.
Visitors to The Art Gallery of NSW will experience the Scottish National Gallery’s famous interior, as part of the exhibition space is inspired by the Edinburgh gallery’s octagonal rooms, 
with their fabric walls of sumptuous red, the traditional colour on which to hang old master paintings. This installation will serve to accentuate the grandeur of the paintings.
A variety of associated public and education programs are also on offer to visitors of all ages and the Gallery will host daily guided tours, lecture series and late night programs.
Visitors to Sydney wanting to view the exhibition, can combine a luxurious stay at Sofitel Sydney, just a short walk from the Gallery, with their ‘So Culture’ package which includes an overnight stay in a classic room, two tickets to the exhibition, a two-course dinner for two with some of the finest Scottish food, plus breakfast in Sofitel’s Garden Court Restaurant.
The exhibition runs until 14 February 2016.
Sandra Tiltman Photos: John Pond
great story